Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet Casserole

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This Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet Casserole is the kind of cozy, no-fuss meal that brings big flavor with simple ingredients. Juicy ground beef, tender zucchini, and a rich tomato base come together in one skillet, all topped with melty cheddar cheese. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without a lot of cleanup.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
  3. Stir in the sliced zucchini and cook until slightly tender.
  4. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, then season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer to develop flavor.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and cook until melted and bubbly.
  6. Finish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Variation

  1. Swap cheddar with mozzarella or a Mexican blend for a different cheesy twist.
  2. Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies and flavor depth.
  3. Turn it spicy with red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Cooking Notes

  1. Drain excess fat after browning the beef to keep the dish from getting greasy.
  2. Slice zucchini evenly so it cooks at the same rate.
  3. Let the mixture simmer a bit longer if you want a thicker, richer sauce.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Serve over fluffy rice for a heartier meal.
  2. Pair with warm crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
  3. Enjoy it on its own for a low-carb, satisfying option.

Tips

  1. Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and texture.
  2. Don’t overcook the zucchini to keep it slightly firm.
  3. Prep ingredients ahead to make cooking even faster on busy nights.

Prep Time:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I make this ahead of time?
    Yes, it reheats well and tastes even better the next day.
  2. Can I freeze it?
    Yes, but zucchini may soften slightly after thawing.
  3. What can I use instead of zucchini?
    Yellow squash or eggplant works great as a substitute.
  4. Can I make it dairy-free?
    Absolutely, just skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Conclusion

This skillet casserole is the perfect blend of comfort and simplicity, bringing together rich beef, tender zucchini, and melty cheese in one easy dish. It’s quick, satisfying, and versatile enough to fit any busy schedule while still delivering that homemade, cozy flavor everyone loves.

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Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet Casserole

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
Print Recipe

Description

This Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet Casserole is the kind of cozy, no-fuss meal that brings big flavor with simple ingredients. Juicy ground beef, tender zucchini, and a rich tomato base come together in one skillet, all topped with melty cheddar cheese. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without a lot of cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
  3. Stir in the sliced zucchini and cook until slightly tender.
  4. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, then season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer to develop flavor.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and cook until melted and bubbly.
  6. Finish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  • You can swap cheddar for mozzarella or a cheese blend for a different flavor.
  • For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream before adding the cheese.
  • If you like a little heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes.
  • This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: ground beef, zucchini, skillet casserole, easy dinner, one pan meal, low carb, comfort food

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